New York, Publishing Firm, early in the morning.

Joey is speaking on the phone to someone. She is clearly stressed about something and keeps pacing back and forth with the phone on her ear. She is running her hands through her hair and biting her bottom lip.

"I’m so worried about tonight. Everything has to be perfect. Nothing can screw this up," Joey says, expressing her feelings.

"I know, and everything will be. We can take care of this," Samantha tells her reassuringly.

"It has to be ready for tonight. Remember it is very important that you keep him busy with whatever pretext about the show as soon as he puts a foot here in New York. That way I can get everything ready at home," Joey says, mentally revising the whole plan for the evening: making sure the waiters are on time, the drinks are there, the stage for the band as well...

"Calm down Joey, it will be ready” Sam calming her, interrupting her racing thoughts. “We’ll take care of it. Tonight will be perfect. I’m sure he’ll love it."

"Yeah, I think so? You think so? Ok, I really need to calm down,” she says, bewildered at her own nervousness as Samantha laughs on the other line of the phone. “It’s just that I wanna impress him and show him how much I love him. It’s been years since we celebrated each other’s birthday together, you know? Years. And everything seems so brand new now and exciting, but at the same time I can remember each of the birthday parties we shared, and I want this one to be the best of them all. To show him… how much he means to me," Joey tells Samantha almost out of breath.

"I think he already knows how much he means to you,” Samantha says sweetly, making Joey smile. “Everything will be fine. Just chill out, ok?"

"Ok, I can do that. I’ll just take some deep breaths and everything will be fine," Joey says, starting to take some deep breaths. Samantha laughs a little and Joey joins her.

"I know, I look like a neurotic girl," Joey sighs, shaking her head but still smiling.

"No, you don’t. You sound just like a woman in love who wants everything to be perfect. But it won’t be the end of the world if everything isn’t perfect. It’s the thought that counts, you know," Samantha replies.

“I know it’s the thought that counts, but I already tried to give him a surprise party once, and you don’t want to hear how that one turned out,” she laughs.

“No, come on, tell me what happened,” Samantha demands as she accommodates in her seat in her office.

“Well, actually it wasn’t that fun, if you think about it. Dawson got totally drunk, and made a fool of himself in front of everybody.” Joey says, shaking her head at the memory.

“No way, Dawson making a fool of himself? That doesn’t seem very Dawson-like, you know, the whole Hollywood director, always keeping his cool and professionalism.”

“Oh yes, he has everybody fooled, doesn’t he?” Joey laughs. “That’s because you don’t know him like I do.”

“Well, on that we can agree.”

“But in the end it turned out to be a sweet night, when he told me he loved me.” Joey says with a dreamy expression on her face.

“Ok, ok, before you start melting, were all his birthdays like that?”

“No, actually, all his birthdays used to be quite perfect, because, you know, being the only child as he was, there was always the biggest cake, the best presents, the clown, you know, all that stuff.”

“Oh my! Clown and all!” Samantha laughs.

"Well, to be totally fair, he asked his mother not to bring a clown anymore when he turned 10, he considered it too embarrassing,” Joey laughs as she bites the tip of her tongue, remembering how Dawson ranted to her about it before he told Gale he was old enough not have a clown at his parties anymore.

“Cute. And now that the crisis is over, I better go. I’ve got some job to do, go figure,” Samantha jokes “And just remember that everything will be ok.”

“Right, I know that. I guess I’m just freaking out a little too much. But you’re right; everything will be fine. See you later."

Joey hangs up and smiles as she looks at a picture of herself and Dawson.

Credits

Los Angeles, the NBC Company TV

We see Dawson in a meeting room. He is sitting next to the guy presiding, a high executive head of the company.

“I’m glad to hear that everything is ok then,” the guy is commenting to him.

“Yeah, we had a little delay and we had to make some minor changes, so the last weeks have been hectic. But we’re ready to go now. The premiere will be next week during the maximum audience time slot, and we’re really expecting good results.”

“The publicity campaign has been excellent as well, let me tell you. My congratulations to everyone in charge. Not that we need much publicity with Spielberg as a catchword. And the hottest and younger Hollywood director out there with a TV show that has been vainglorious by critics” he adds as Dawson gently nods his head as thank you.

“Thank you. Let’s see if we can keep up the level and not to deceive our fans”

“Always the hardest part,” someone comments.

“Yeah, fans are important but so is the media. We already told this to Spielberg the other day when we had the chance to talk to him, but we’re going to bet strongly for this. We’re talking about Emmys and any other award that can come to your mind, which more than likely means that we might be making a direct competition to your other show,” The directive laughs

“Well, it doesn’t seem that bad to me, if I get to have two shows nominated for an Emmy, I’m not going to complain,” Dawson says coolly, smiling confidently as everybody laughs and his eyes underhandedly drifting to his watch.

“Well,” the guy presiding says, noticing Dawson’s gesture even though he tried to hide it, “that was all that was left to discuss. Thank you for coming Mr. Leery,” he says as he stands up, offering his hand to Dawson to shake. “I hope we didn’t trouble you too much for making you stay one more day.”

“Of course not, it was my pleasure” Dawson replies as he shakes hands with him and everybody else in the table, giving them nods of heads and professional smiles.
“Mrs. Harrison will walk you to the exit” Mr. Avery says as he motions to the young woman sitting in the little reception near the meeting room where they have held the meeting.

“Oh no please, no problem” Dawson says, raising his hand and gently refusing the company. “I already know the way, thank you very much,” he says with a nod of his head and Mr. Avery agrees.

“Ok then, we’ll keep in contact.”

Dawson nods his head once more and as soon as he turns around and leaves, he checks his watch openly this time and an upset face shows up.

Taking his cell phone out, he starts walking and presses a button, then unbuttons the first button of his shirt and sighs.

“Hey. Yeah, it’s me.” He laughs at something Joey says as a greeting.

“How is your day being by far?” <a beat> “Oh really?” he laughs some more.

“Yeah, the reunion is over so I’m heading to the airport where the company’s plane is waiting for me. Luckily, I expect to be there by five o’clock.”

“I know, I know. I promise to compensate you,” he smiles, his tone clearly flirting.

“So no birthday wishes for me?” he asks, pretending to be upset, smiling wide as he arrives at the lifts.

“Oh, you’ll only give them to me in person? Mmmm… that actually sounds good to me if you ask me,” and once more his voice is pregnant with flirting and a hint of seduction as he chuckles low.

Just then, the doors of the lift open.

“Can’t wait to see you. Love you Joey,” and his eyes shine at the reply in the other side of the line.

With a smile on his face, he hangs up and enters the lift.

IceHouse- Capeside.

Pacey is bending over a file drawer in the back office of the Ice House, thumbing through some papers in a folder in the drawer. His brow furrows. He takes out a folder and sits down at the desk, looking through the papers again.

“Hey, Mike, where’s the invoice for the ice delivery? I can’t find it,” he calls out to an unseen Mike.

Mike comes into the room, wiping his hands. The lunch crowd is almost gone and Mike has been helping clean up while Pacey went over the accounts and checked inventory.

“I moved it to Tuesday’s accounts,” Mike explains. “Bob the iceman switched to Tuesday mornings so he could take his daughter to band practice in the afternoons,” Mike goes to the file drawer and unhesitatingly takes the invoice out of a different folder. “And see here,” he continues expertly, “bread is coming in on Wednesday afternoons now since Mack got another job moonlighting as a bartender and the mornings are a killer for him,” Mike points out the bread invoices.

Pacey is unsure what to think of this. Mike sees his expression.

“I hope it’s okay with you,” Mike begins uncertainly, “you did kind of leave me in charge and it seemed to be the best thing for everyone”

“No, that’s fine. I didn’t ‘kinda’ leave you in charge; I did leave you in charge. Well, at least as far as deliveries go.” Then Pacey looks pleased. “That’s fine.”

“Why the big leap in fish inventory?” Pacey asks, still trying to catch up with what has been happening at the Icehouse while he’s been gone, even though it has been more than three weeks since he’s been back in Capeside.

“The lady’s bible study group comes in for Friday lunch now,” Mike answers, “and they order fish and clam chowder almost like clockwork. I like to keep a little extra on hand now. Grams loves it,” Mike adds with a big grin, thinking about the old and wise woman whose has had some interesting chats with him lately.

“That’s fine,” Pacey repeats, surprised that Mike knows so well what is going on with the Ice House. More than he does.

“It’s good to have you back,” Mike comments, sincerely. “We’ve missed you. Things aren’t the same with you gone.”

“Yeah, well, that’s nice of you to say, but it looks like things are going just fine here without me.” He chuckles. He is not upset about it, but yeah... he kinda would have liked to feel that he was more needed. But as the saying says, life goes on. With or without him. “You’re doing a great job Mike. You really have a feel for this.”

Mike smiles broadly. “I really appreciate this second chance, Pacey. Not too many people would want to hire an ex-con. And definitely not an ex-con that had burned up the place years ago,” he laughs, half amused, half bitterly.

“Well, they would if they knew what a great manager you are, Mike. This place has never been so well organized. I know I have you to thank for that,” Pacey says appreciatively. “Plus, everyone deserves a second chance.”

Mike grins. “Thanks. And it was my pleasure” <beat> “But it’s still your restaurant, so if you ever feel like I’m stepping on your shoes or something”

Pacey sighs. “Yeah, I know, but I…. I feel sometimes like it isn’t. And not because I feel like you are stepping on my shoes,” Pacey makes that clear to him “but because it seems as if it wasn’t meant to be mine. Or that is isn’t enough. Does that sound…ungrateful?”

Mike frowns, thinking. “No, not if you’re ambitious. You’re a young man with a lot of energy … and talent. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more than what this place has to offer…more than just this place to make you happy.”

“But it makes you happy, Mike” Pacey observes.

Mike can’t help but smile. “Yeah, who would have thought that a wild guy like me would be happy tallying receipts and ordering fish? But I am. Besides, a good stretch of time ….away from this…. really puts things into perspective”. The two men are quiet a moment, knowing that Mike is thinking about being in prison. Mike smiles, “You don’t know how great it feels to come here each day knowing I have something worthwhile to do. Besides, it was mine first and it’s good to be back,” he says with evident pleasure, not at all bothered that it has been rebuilt and Pacey owns it now.

“You probably just want to get back to making tomato sauce from scratch and ordering fine linen napkins, Pacey “ Mike continues. “It’s seems pretty natural that after your experience and training as a high-class chef and manager that paper napkins and canned spaghetti sauce just won’t cut it any more,” Mike comments while reaching for a can of spaghetti sauce. “Me? I’m happy as a clam just to open up a can,” he says, cheerfully tossing the can in the air with a twist and catching it.

Pacey sighs. “You may be right, Mike, but I wish you weren’t. I’d like to just stay here in Capeside and be the owner of a small restaurant and be satisfied, but I just don’t know…I’m afraid it might not be enough.” He says with a pensive face.

Los Angeles airport, a few moments later.

The camera pans across the sky, switches to an aeroplane taking off before dissolving to an internal shot filled with the hustle and bustle within a busy LAX airport. We then see an information desk and the rest of the airports noises seem to be filtered out and we hear the remainder of the conversation between two people there.

"I'm sorry sir." The woman behind the desk informs Dawson. "But we still don't appear to have anything for that flight available. All I can do is ask for you to keep checking back and something may open up."

(“Time” by Chantal Kreviazuk plays in the background)

Time, where did you go?
Why did you leave me here alone?
Wait, don't go so fast
I'm missing the moments as they pass

"I'll do that." Dawson replies before turning away from the desk. He takes a few steps and runs a hand through his hair. Slightly frustrated he takes his cell from his pocket, presses a few keys before placing it to his ear.

After a few rings he hears a voice on the other end of the phone saying "Hey you." His facial expression softens and changes to one of love. The way it would when you talk to the one person who somehow manages to always make you feel so much better, no matter what, just with a few simple words.

Now I've looked in the mirror and the worlds getting clearer
So wait for me this time
I'm down I'm down on my knees I'm begging for all your sympathy

"Hey yourself." He says into the phone, momentarily forgetting the predicament he's in. "Are you busy?"

"Have you ever known me to not be busy?" She asks but doesn't really expect an answer. "Today just seems a bit hectic and I wasn't really anticipating that, I thought it was gonna be a fairly light day in here..." She trails off.

But you (I'm just an illusion) you don't seem to care (I wish that I could)
You humble people everywhere (I don't mean to hurt you)
Now I've looked in the mirror and the worlds getting clearer
I'll take what you give me. Please know that I'm learning
So wait for me this time

"But well, now you've called and I'm just happy to be getting a break from everything." She says as she begins to twirl the phone cord. "I can't wait for you to get here, I just want to snuggle up on the couch with you all night.”

"Sounds like heaven,” Dawson says, closing his eyes for a moment and imagining it. A week. A whole week without sharing little ordinary moments like that with her. He can’t wait to be there and just hold her. “But well," he begins nervously. "About that..."

“Are you going to board already?" she asks excitedly, a big grin on her face.

"Nope, still at the airport." He takes a breath before telling her. "It looks like I probably won't make it back tonight."

I should've know better
I shouldn't have wasted those days
And afternoons and mornings
I threw them all away

"Come again?"

"I don't think I'm gonna make it back, at least not tonight." He begins, trying to keep his tone calm and soothing as opposed to expressing how annoyed he is at this inconvenience. "I turned up as planned, only to learn at more or less the last minute that there's something wrong with the landing gear. The attendant mentioned something about them having to run tests on it but that plane will not be off the ground anytime today. And I can't seem to get a flight out."

"There's nothing at all?" She asks incredulously.

"Everything to La Guardia, Newark and JFK is full."

Now this is my time
I'm going to make this moment mine.
(I shouldn't have wasted those days)
I'll take what you give me. Please know that I'm learning

"It's not even a holiday weekend."

He sighs. "I know, but the Dodgers are playing the Yankees at Yankee stadium and well, all the fine people of LA have decided to go watch that I guess."

"Well that bites!" She replies as she rubs one of her temples with her free hand.

"Just a little bit." He replies. "Everything seemed to be going right on schedule this morning, even though the meeting had been a last minute thing, but it ran smooth, ya know? And now..."

"It's not your fault Dawson. It’s ok. It was work you had to do."

"I should have told them to talk with someone else or something and come back yesterday." He states down the phone.

"You know you couldn’t do that,” she sighs, “and maybe you would have had the same batch of problems yesterday too, we'll never know."

I've looked in the mirror
My world's getting clearer

"I guess you're right. I'm gonna hang around here for a while and try and see if something opens up, but I'm not very hopeful."

"Okay, you'll call me and let me know?" She asks.

"Yeah. I'll keep you posted."

“Have you talked to your mother? She phoned me earlier and told me she was going to call you once the meeting was over.”

“Yes, she did. I talked to her and Lily.” Dawson replies smiling.

"Ok. And Dawson?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy birthday." She tells him trying to sound cheerful, knowing that he never planned this.

"Not right now it's not." He replies deadpan, but tries to sound more upbeat. "I'll speak with you soon, okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"Love you too."

So wait for me this time

He presses end on his cell and slumps down in a seat.

"Happy 26th birthday!" he mumbles to himself.

"Well, well, well. How the mighty have fallen." A familiar voice says from beside him, causing Dawson to look up, finding Todd is sat beside him. "Weren't you supposed to be flying to New York today, on Spielberg's plane?"

"Yeah, there's some problem with landing gear. I'm trying to get a flight back but everything is booked." Dawson replies with disappointment evident in his voice. "Where are you off to?" Dawson asks trying to distract himself.

"New York."

"Last minute thing? You never said anything before."

"Ah, not quite. A friend of mine got me a ticket for the Dodgers vs. Yankees, I couldn't miss it, especially with the way they're playing now."

Dawson looks at him questioningly. "I never knew you liked basketball."

"I don't, that's why I am going to a baseball game."

"Oh, okay." Dawson replies weakly as Todd glances at his watch. "When's your flight?"

"They just called it now. Listen, why don't we try and get this ticket changed so you can go back to New York."

"Are you crazy, you have a ticket for the game, you should go. I'll work something out."

"I don't mind Dawson, what are friends for? It’d allow you to spend your birthday with Joey." Todd finishes, winking at Dawson.

"It's a really nice offer Todd." Dawson begins. "But you already have plans for this weekend and I couldn't rob you of seeing that game since you seem to be looking forward to it so much."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, not to mention that they won’t allow you to change the name of the passenger once the ticket has been retrieved” he half sighs and half laughs. “I'll work something out and if I can't get there tonight I'll just celebrate tomorrow I guess"

"You sure?” Todd asks.

“Yes I am. Now go and don’t miss your flight!”

“Okay, we'll have to meet up for a drink, celebrate the Dodgers winning."

"To hell with the Dodgers, because they're playing I can't get a flight." He says, managing a small grin. "I hope they get beat."

"That's the spirit Leery!" Todd chuckles. "I'll see you later. Happy Birthday."

"Bye Todd."

As Todd disappears from view the camera angle changes so we see Dawson from a distance sitting and thinking before he starts to make his way to the information desk again.

Back to the IceHouse, Capeside.

Pacey and Mike are in the main part of the restaurant. There are a few customers eating an early lunch. Pacey is counting the desserts and baked goods behind the glass counter but he is obviously growing distracted. He taps his pen on the clipboard he is holding.

“Well, in a couple of hours I will be ready to leave for today and tomorrow. I’m heading up to New York for Dawson’s birthday,” he tells Mike. “Will everything be okay here?”

“Sure, Pacey. No problem. Everything is under control. The inventory is almost done, and the missing shipment of clams is being delivered tomorrow. All I need to know is whether to retile the bathrooms or wait on that, and if you want to run another club sandwich special next week to start working on that as well. That’s about it, boss.” Mike concludes with a smile.

We can see from Pacey´s expression that he feels a little like a third wheel again.

“Pacey?” Mike asks, bringing him back from his thoughts.

“Uh… wait on the tiling… and run a lunch special on spaghetti… we have thirty cans too many of tomato sauce and we could use the space.” Pacey instructs Mike, knowing that Mike doesn’t really need him to tell him what to do.

“Sure thing, boss”. Mike pauses, looking like he wants to say something, but unsure if he should or not. Pacey has turned his attention to totalling some receipts. Mike decides to speak.

“Strange, isn’t it? Once I fed you grape popsicles in the summer when you were barely out of diapers and now you’re my daughter’s ex-boyfriend, the owner of my former restaurant, and my current boss”

“Yeah, it’s funny how things work out,” Pacey murmurs distractedly, as he adds up some numbers on his large professional calculator. “I was just a wisecracking kid with a mouth on me.”

“Aren’t you still that? A wisecracking kid, I mean,” Mike half-teases him.

Pacey stops punching numbers into the calculator and looks at Mike, friendly. They both go back into the kitchen to straighten up. “The key word is ‘just,’ my friend. Life moves forward, moves on, and I have certainly added many other adjectives to my growing resume, including ex-lover, ‘the other man,’ and some other ones I certainly care to put behind me.”

“Yeah, I heard you got into some trouble. But also that you managed to get yourself out of it. We haven’t heard from that guy since Christmas.”

“Well, I did the only thing I hadn’t try to do: talk to him. Seems like it worked.” Pacey sighs and then laughs bitterly, “Got into trouble, got out of trouble, dodged trouble. If the sentence has the word trouble in it, there’s a good chance it applies to me.”

Mike gives him a thoughtful look. “But not always,” he says quietly.

Pacey gives a grudging smile. “No, not always,” he agrees, vigorously wiping down a counter even though he doesn’t have to.

“And, look at it this way, at least I’ve learned what trouble is, or could be, so I can now avoid it.” Pacey comments philosophically, throwing the wet wiping towel into a back sink.

Neither of them speak for a moment. Mike gives Pacey a questioning look.

“You were avoiding trouble at the Renaissance, weren’t you?” Mike asks not unkindly.

Pacey leans, relaxed, on a counter.

“Yeah, I was” Pacey answers after a brief pause. He hasn’t really talked about it with Mike and it is strange to discuss personal things with him. “I can make my own trouble without having to take on someone else's,” he says with another slightly bitter laugh.

“So you did the right thing,” Mike observes calmly.

Pacey face clears and he smiles again. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

“Sometimes it takes a few times to get it right…you know…to do the right thing,” Mike comments in a conversational tone of voice, but they both know he is speaking from the heart…speaking about himself as well.

Pacey gives a little laugh of genuine amusement. “I was telling Joey pretty much the same thing a few months ago, during the inevitable post-mortem of our doomed romance.”

“You’re a good kid, Pacey, don’t ever forget it. Just keep your nose clean. It isn’t worth it to do otherwise…like I found out the hard way. I lost so many things and missed out on so many things and now that I have some of them back in my life… now I have a real life…I feel like I was crazy to have done the things I did.”

“But you finally got it right,” Pacey comments sincerely.

“Yeah, I just wished it hadn’t taken almost ten years out of my life, and Joey’s life, to figure out.”

The two men are silent, absorbed in thinking about Mike’s incarceration and its impact on Joey.

Mike’s hands grow still and he looks down a minute. “You must have hated me, sometimes, just like everybody else.” he says softly. Pacey looks surprised.

“I didn’t like what you did, and I didn’t like what it did to Joey although I wasn’t really there to find out the consequences until much later that when it happened. And ironically, it served me to grow closer to her,” he says, remembering how they all helped her rebuild the place that year that everything turned so complicated “but I never hated you, Mike. Now, if you ask Dawson, you might get another answer,” he half laughs, since the impact of the whole Joey and Mr. Potter stuff had a much bigger and important repercussion on his friend’s life.

“How are you doing by the way, with Joey and Dawson and all?” Mike asks somewhat tentatively, not knowing for sure Pacey´s feelings or if he wants to talk about it.

Pacey shrugs. “It was here, it happened, and now it’s gone. It worked on some levels and not others. We both have other fish to fry, I guess, in a manner of speaking.”

“Joey’s fish being Dawson?” Mike asks carefully.

Pacey laughs out loud. “I don’t know if he’d appreciate being called a fish, but, yeah, that’s one way of putting it.”

Mike silently begins taking inventory of the cans stacked on the back shelf. “He’s the right one for her, you know,” he says quietly, not looking at Pacey. “I always knew it.”

Pacey sighs. “Yeah, I know. I wish it weren’t true, but deep down inside I’ve always known it too. I got a little piece of fantasy with her, I think, a little piece of a dream or a ‘what if,’ but Dawson is her life, her real life. Whenever they are together as a couple of not, he is the best man around for her. Always been, always will.” <a beat> “It just took us a little while, for me to figure that out and for her to accept it and act on it.”

“I guess it might have had a certain ring to certain people: the convict’s daughter and the sheriff’s son.” Mike jokes.

“Yeah, I guess for some people, in their mind, it might sound appealing. In real life, it’s not.” Pacey shrugs it off, and starts sorting through the morning’s receipts.

“Besides, she needs someone to go to those stuffy up-town cocktail parties with her. They give me the chills,” Pacey half-jokes, making light of the situation.

Mike can see that Pacey is okay, and that was his main worry, so he just drops the subject.

“You were also with that Andie McPhee, right?” Mike questions him gently. “And Audrey too” he adds, raising his brows.

“Yup, I’ve liked a lot of ladies” Pacey says, shaking his head. “Sometimes that’s my problem, I like too many at the same time, or the wrong ones….” Pacey suddenly stops talking, realizing that this hits a little too close to home with Mike’s past situation. “Oh, geez, man…” Pacey starts to stutter…”I didn’t mean anything by that…”

Mike holds up his hand to stop him. “Don’t worry about it Pacey. It was a long time ago and what you said is true. I just regret not getting a chance to correct my mistakes before it was too late.” and his face get sad, thinking of Lillian.

“I guess we’ve both done things we regret,” Pacey says softly. A small smile creeps onto Mike’s face at this slight understatement. “I’d say that’s about right”

Pacey looks over at Mike kind of wonderingly, realizing that although they are very different, they both have had trouble in their lives and done things they regretted. Or maybe they’re not that different after all. And maybe that was what Joey was looking for on him: someone like her father? He has heard it happens sometimes. How great that would have been, huh?, he thinks to himself ironically.

“I was faithful to Joey, I just wanted you to know,” Pacey offers seriously, just to be clear.

“I know,” Mike says somberly, and doesn’t need to say anything else.

The customers finish their early lunch and approach the cash register. Mike and Pacey come out of the kitchen and Mike goes behind the cash register. The customers hand him their bill. Pacey just stands there with nothing to do, watching Mike taking good care of everything.

Capeside High School.

We see Bessie, Grams, and Amy arrive in a car in front of Capeside High School. They have come to surprise Jack by bringing Amy to cheer him up before he leaves to New York for Dawson’s birthday party. And it took them A LOT of convincing for him to go since Jack, as usual, didn’t want to leave Amy.

“Let’s not disturb Jack’s class,” Grams says when she sees that school has not ended yet. “we can sit on that bench and wait,” she suggests, pointing to a bench near the entrance of the school.

“That sounds good to me,” Bessie agrees, as she puts Amy in a stroller.

They walked to the bench. Amy is still in her stroller and she is playing with a baby rattle. Bessie and Grams admire Amy as they sit down on the bench watching her.

"She’s so adorable," Bessie remarks aloud to Grams.

"Yes, she gets cuter everyday," Grams says, agreeing with Bessie.

"Amy reminds me of when Alexander was a baby. So cute and innocent. Things have definitely changed since then," Bessie admits, reflecting back on the past.

"Mostly because of the kids, I’m sure," Grams adds. She knows how much the kids have had an impact on their lives.

"They are all so grown up and sophisticated now, living on their own. I think Joey taught me as much as I taught her," Bessie says, remembering how she raised Joey after their mother died.

"Oh, yes. Jen taught me many things as well. These wonderful people like Jack and Mr. Smalls came into my life because of her.” Grams pauses, thinking of Jen with a sweet and sad smile. “She helped me learn to open up my heart again after my husband died. And also, to be… less critical, I guess you could say. I hate to admit it, but perhaps I was a bit more critical of others than I should have been as a good Christian woman," Grams admits reluctantly. She gives a little look at Bessie, thinking of how disapproving she had been of Bessie so many years ago. Then Grams gives a little laugh. “For being such a heathen sometimes, Jen was more like an angel. She brought me closer to God and my faith, and opened up my life and heart to more… possibilities… and love.” Grams says, expressing how grateful she was for Jen

"That’s a wonderful thing, when you learn how to do it. So many opportunities come into your life," Bessie says.

"Yes, too bad I couldn’t do it earlier," Grams says, expressing a little regret. “Perhaps I wouldn’t have so many problems with Jen’s mother if I had done that,” she says somewhat sadly.

“I am sure we all do things we regret,” Bessie says to console Grams. “ I think the important thing is to go forward and try to make things as good as they can be now, in the present.”

“I am sure you are right, and I am trying [with Jen’s mother]. But she can push a person’s patience. And I am not always known for my patience,” Grams admits with a smile. “Something with the Lord’s help I am working on.”

The two sit companionably in silence for a moment, thinking of Jen and the others as children.

Then Bessie smiles and gives a little laugh. "Joey was so scared of you when she was younger. I remember she thought you were a witch." Bessie tells Grams, laughing at the thought of it. Grams starts laughing a little, too.

"Well, I hope she isn’t scared of me now," Grams says and Bessie shakes her head.

"Joey grew up to be such a beautiful and intelligent young woman. I’m glad to see how she is so happy now. I am glad how they all seem to be finding their way slowly. It was about time if you ask me." Grams remarks.

"They’re still so young though. And it’s funny, but also scary to think that at their age I already felt as mature as an older woman. Taking care of Alex, and taking care of my younger sister. I always saw her as such a baby, but looking back, she wasn’t. You know, the age difference between us is not that much. I just felt as if it was. But the agony and joy I went through with her was all worth it, though," Bessie says, remembering the times her and Joey shared.

"Same here, all the rough times I shared with Jen were worth it. I remember how she would prove me wrong about the things I thought. She told me about Dawson. How he was a nice, kind person. He wasn’t the person I perceived him to be. Same with Joey. And those two together, you know I didn’t like her sleeping over at his house like that. I found it highly inappropriate and I thought you were being way too permissive, what didn’t surprise me though, ‘knowing the kind of life you were leading her into.’” Grams says, emulating her better old fashion voice, making Bessie laugh.

“How things change,” Bessie says, and Grams smiles at her.

“And for the best. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Gale here for the last year since I moved back,” Grams says sincerely, placing her hand over Bessie’s arm and squeezing it lightly, Bessie placing her own hand over hers.

Amy starts to giggle as she watches a squirrel run up a tree nearby and points her finger at the squirrel. This makes Bessie and Grams turn their heads to see the squirrel and then turn back to Amy. They smile at how happy Amy seems.

"Jack and I are so lucky that Amy is with you, Bessie. You take such good care of her and we can’t think of anyone else that would be as great with her as you are," Grams expresses to Bessie. "We’re grateful for Bodie, too. I can see he is a great father."

"Oh, it’s no problem. It is a joy taking care of Amy. She is such a wonderful child. I treat her as if she were my own. Thank you for saying that about, Bodie, too. It’s true, he is a great father. He helps me so much with Alexander and with Amy too," Bessie says.

"I never would have thought that ten years ago but as I grew older with Jen, I see how much nicer things are now. We have an extended family and everyone looks out for each other," Grams remarks.

"It is nicer.” Bessie agrees. “Since I’ve been taking care of Amy, I’ve actually been thinking about having another baby. I know it’s a lot of work, but it is such a joy too” Bessie says, looking sweetly at Amy. “I didn’t really have the time to enjoy Alex as much as I wanted to when he was a baby, but my life is so much better now”

"I didn’t know you wanted another child” Gram says, surprised. “Well, babies are such a gift to the world. Letting more innocent life into this world is what makes it better."

At this point, the bell rings and we see students come out of the school doors.

"We should start going in the school" Grams says to Bessie and she agrees as they stand up to go into the school. They start walking up with Amy still in the stroller but some students walk up and start to look at how adorable Amy is.

"Aw, that is such a cute baby," a girl exclaims.

"Thank you, her name is Amy," Grams says proudly to the girl as she takes her out of the stroller to give the girl and some of the other students gathering a better view of Amy. “We’re coming to visit her daddy, a teacher here. Jack McPhee.” Grams says, smiling at Amy.

“Oh, we know Mr. McPhee. We didn’t know he had a baby!” one of the girls exclaims, surprised.

“Yes, this is my great-granddaugher,” Grams beams, enjoying the attention Amy is getting. “She is smart and beautiful and sweet and has the best daddy in the world,” Grams says proudly.

"Hi Amy! You’re so adorable!" The girls say to Amy as other students gather around to admire Amy.

We hear students asking how old she is and commenting on how adorable it is when Amy laughs. Grams smiles and happily talks to the students, answering their questions and showing off Amy while more students come over to see Amy too.

Publishing Firm at New York.

Joey is sitting at her office desk, staring out the window. She obviously has things on her mind. Ethan breezes in, not noticing at first that Joey is distracted and not in a good way.

“How’s my favorite assistant editor?” he asks cheerfully, in his usual good mood.

Joey turns from the window with a little frown.

“Uh oh, that doesn’t look good” Ethan comments with a slight frown. “What’s up?”

Joey sighs. “I just got off the phone with Dawson a few minutes ago, and it looks like he might not be able to make it tonight. Some last minute trouble with the shooting schedule, a last minute meeting, the plane…the flight… you know how it goes sometimes,” She tries to sound practical but her tone and expression clearly shows that she is disappointed.

Ethan looks disappointed too. “That sucks, you’ve worked so hard…. and it’s been funny having you all excited running around like a little kid all week. I was just telling Sam this morning that if I’d known what a good mood Dawson put you in, I would have beaten a path to Los Angeles myself and dragged him back here a long time ago.” He says, trying to make her smile.

“Yeah, well, these things happen,” Joey shrugs, trying to put a good face on it but she is obviously unhappy.

“Let’s hope for the best I guess.”

“Yeah, as they say, ‘hope dies last.’ I think there’s still a chance he might make it, and the party is all planned anyway…. so the show will go on without him, if it comes to that. But I’m sure it won’t,” Joey assures him, trying to sound upbeat. “I guess that’s what I get for falling in love with a very popular and overworked young director with two successful shows,” she says lightly, her tone one of pride, mixed with disappointment that he may not make it to the party. “I can hardly make him leave his own show just for a birthday party. I just thought he’d be back long before today so that this wouldn’t be happening. But he just gets so busy… something is always coming up.” Joey says somewhat sadly with a sigh.

“Well, you should have fallen in love with someone like me, who never leaves the building or sees the light of day,” Ethan jokes good-naturedly. “You would always know where to find me…where I always am….chained to my desk…a cog in this great machine we call a publishing company…destined to never see the light of day...” he finishes melodramatically.

Joey rolls her eyes at him. “Well, I think your evil captors will release you for the night so that you can come to the party and have a good time even if Dawson can’t come.” she laughs

“Well, if you can make the best of it then so will I,” Ethan declares manfully, and Joey laughs again. “Sam and I have done everything we were supposed to do for the party,” Ethan states “and to tell you the truth, I’ve been looking forward to this party and also to seeing you once again reunited with the love of your life. It is getting where I don’t recognize you unless you are attached to his waist.” Ethan teases Joey affectionately.

“It isn’t that bad,” Joey protests with a laugh.

“Well, it would be if it weren’t for your separate jobs. So I guess there are some good things to be said for Dawson being so busy. Gives you a chance to breathe…girl.”

Joey smiles at him. “I breathe just fine with or without him…. Well, almost.” Joey smiles shyly and bites the tip of her tongue, smiling at the thought of him.

Ethan laughs. “I know…sometimes there’s a certain heavy breathing with a certain person that just can’t compare. Besides, I’ve seen the two of you together. He takes your breath away, miss editor.”

Joey laughs embarrassed but of course he is right.

“Speaking of heavy breathing….” Joey prompts.

“If this is your way of finding out what is going on between me and Sam, no-can-do señorita. We’re still too much at the ‘finding out about each other’ stage to be going around blabbing our secrets.”

“Oh, so there are some secrets?” Joey asks curiously, noticing how Ethan’s tone has turned slightly more serious.

“Kind of,” he admits, shrugging his shoulders.

“Ethan, you’ve been a great co worker and most importantly, a good friend. I want you to know that if there is something I can help you with… after all, Dawson and I are at least partly responsible for bringing the two of you together so I hope everything goes well,” Joey says sincerely.

“Yeah, me too. I just wasn’t expecting this to happen I guess, not this strong and this… fast, you know?” he says, and then his tone changes to a brighter one. “So, the party is still on for tonight and we’re in the final countdown.” Ethan says pretending to be all business.

“That’s a roger yes aye aye!” Joey says, accepting his change of subject politely.

“And we’ll just throw Dawson in the lake if he misses his own birthday party.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Joey laughs. “Besides, he doesn’t even know he is missing his own birthday party.”

“Should you tell him?”

Joey thinks a minute.

“No, he knows I want to be with him for his birthday. If he can make it, he’ll come. If he can’t, he can’t. I don’t want to spoil the surprise in case he makes it. Besides, he’ll just feel guiltier if he knows he’s missing his party, and I don’t want him to feel guilty.” Joey looks sad. “I know it’s hard for him already… being apart…I don’t want to make it worse.” she says quietly.

Ethan sees that Joey is starting to feel bad. “Well, then, we won’t make it worse,” he says. “We’ll have a great party and if we’re lucky, he’ll make it. And if not, I’m sure you’ll have your own special birthday present waiting for him when he gets back.” he says suggestively, raising his eyebrows and avoiding a slap in his arms.

“That’s for me to know and you NOT to find out!” she retorts teasingly as she pushes him out of the office.

"Now seriously,” Ethan says, stopping in the door way as Joey stops pushing him “Just look at it this way, you’ll have years and years of birthdays with him. This is only one of many." He says, winking at her as he finally exits, closing the door.

"I know," Joey says simply to the empty room with a smile.

Capeside, the IceHouse.

We see the IceHouse full with people as the camera makes a general vision of the place. Behind the bar, checking some papers, we see Pacey. The phone under the bar and next to him rings and he takes it without even taking his eyes off the papers he is reading.

“Icehouse, Pacey Witter speaking, May I help you?”

“Aw, my boy is all grown up. How professional that sounded,” Andie’s laughter greets him and a big smile appears on his face, putting the papers aside and leaning his elbows in the bar stool.

“Hi there Doctor McPhee,” he jokes back, and Andie groans softly, making him laugh.

“Argh, if only. There’s still a lot of time to get there though.”

“Oh that, I agree”

“Ok, so I was just calling to make sure we all got it right for today. Same place and hour we agreed on the other day?”

“Yep, same place and hour. That is, at Audrey’s. You already have the address, right?”

“Yep, I do. So how is it going, spending a whole day stuck with Miss Liddle? She can be quite exhausting,” Pacey laughs.

“Don’t be bad,” Andie gently scolds him, although she knows that he is just kidding. “We’ve had a lot of fun until this guy showed up. Remember how we said that Audrey was having some kind of troubles but she wouldn’t talk about them out loud?” Andie asks.

“Yes” Pacey replies, his voice now serious. “And?”

“And I think they have name and surname.”

“I see. I only hope he doesn’t ruin the party for her. Knowing Audrey, I’m sure she could use some fun to take her mind out of troubles, at least for a while.”

“Yeah, well, and speaking of that, I am not sure on how well all this will turn out though”

“Why do you say that?” Pacey´s voice in the other side of the line sounds intrigued.

“Joey called us about 30 minutes ago, saying that she had spoken with Dawson and apparently, he is having some troubles to take a plane in L.A so he is not sure he can make it to NY today.”

“Ouch. And I’m sure Joey is loving it, huh?” Pacey comments, “because you know her, especially when it comes to Dawson.” Pacey comments, and there’s no need to add anything else.

“Either way, seems like the party is still a go. Let’s just hope that the honored guest can show up.”

“Let’s hope so,” Pacey comments, worried.

“Well, see you later Pacey,” she finishes, a smile clear in her voice.

“See you later Andie,” Pacey smiles back and hang up the phone, going back to the papers.

But after a couple of seconds, he smiles again and looks off space, amused. He is really looking forward to see that McPhee girl again. He’s missed her.

Still with the smile pasted in his face, he walks inside the office in the background and takes his coat from a hook. He puts it on and grabs his keys, throwing them to the air and humming a melody as he walks out of the office and back to the front bar, where Mike is now changing one of the beers barrels.

Pacey clears his throat. “Well, it looks like you have everything well in hand here and as it looks like I have a trip to get ready for, so I’ll just be on my way.”

“We’ll be here when you get back,” Mike says cheerfully, standing straight after and testing the pressure of the barrel so the beer has enough foam. “Say hi to Dawson and Joey for me. I’ll call them tomorrow, when the whole party thing is done and over with.”

“I will, and thanks Mike,” Pacey says heartily, meaning it and a whole lot more. Mike gives him a manly but affectionate clap on the back as he leaves the IceHouse and then he happily starts to ring up the customer’s bill.

Capeside High School.

The scene opens with Jack standing in front of his class of students. We see ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ written on the blackboard in big letters behind him. The students are interested and listening.

“Okay, class, who else can give me an example of how society’s perception of Boo Radley influenced how he was treated… good or bad?”

Four students raise their hands.

“Sarah?” Jack calls on a student.

“Well, the adults mostly just left him alone because they thought he was a loner- which maybe he was- but the kids left him alone because they were afraid of him. They thought he was strange… or dangerous. But later they found out he was nice.”

Jack turns to the blackboard. “So would you say he was isolated?” Jack asks writing the word ‘isolated’ under a short list of words. “A nonconformist? Misunderstood?” Jack writes down too.

“Yeah, like Freddie Krueger” one of the boys calls out from the back of the class. The class laughs.

Just then, the bell rings. The students start gathering up their pens and books. Jack puts down the chalk and faces the students.

“Don’t forget your essay assignments are due this Friday…. 500 words on what you think would happen if the events in the novel occurred today in Capeside instead of in the 30’s south. And that doesn’t count punctuation or the multiple use of the same word over and over. That means you, master Scott.” Jack adds good humouredly, giving the boy a pointed look. Some students chuckle.

“And give some examples of your theory. The essay should be interesting. If you get bored writing it, chances are, it’s going to bore me too.”

“Yeah, we wouldn’t want to bore the teacher. He might make us read the book again,” a student laughingly jokes. Jack gives him a look of mock dismay.

“Reading is good for the soul,” Jack pronounces with a twinkle in his eye. The students groan.

Jack searches the class with his eyes and spots a student.

“Joan, can I see you after class?” Jack directs a student. A few of the kids go “oohhh” like she is in trouble, but they are clearly joking. The students like Jack.

The girl reluctantly approaches the desk. “Have as seat,” Jack suggests gently, and she sits down, looking unhappy. He waits until the other students have left the classroom before talking again.

“You didn’t put much thought into that last assignment, Joan.”

(“Amie” by Damien Rice stars playing in the background)

Joan just sits there looking unhappy.

Nothing unusual, nothing strange
Close to nothing at all
The same old scenario, the same old rain
And there's no explosions here

“You can do better, Joan, I know you can,” he tells her in an encouraging but no-nonsense tone of voice.

The girl twirls a strand of her hair, looking confused. “But I don’t understand the assignment Mr. McPhee,” she complains.

“All you need to do is explain who you are,” Jack explains, patiently. “It isn’t that hard of an assignment”

“But I don’t know who I am!” the student wails.

Then something unusual, something strange
Comes from nothing at all
I saw a spaceship fly by your window
Did you see it disappear?

Jack is both exasperated and amused by the passion, or should he say melodrama, of youth.

“You don’t know what you are yet, Joan, but you already have a pretty good idea of who you are, at least for now.”

“I still don’t understand.” the girl pouts.

“Look at it this way. What you are, now, is a student and daughter and maybe a girlfriend or a cheerleader or the class spelling bee champion or an employee of the local ice cream shop. But most of those things will change. Three years from now you may not be a student or a girlfriend or work at the ice cream shop. But who you are may still be the same. What this assignment’s purpose is, is for you to look at yourself and try to figure out the best you can what makes you, you. What won’t change in the next three or maybe thirty years. It’s not about your favorite band or the latest fashion.”

“How am I supposed to know what I will be like in three years?” the girl asks sullenly.

Jack gets an idea and smiles. “Guess.”

The girl looks surprised. Guessing is usually not something a student does for homework. She looks curious.

Jack takes a pad of paper and quickly jots down a few sentences. “Okay, Joan, go home and answer these questions and I’ll think you’ll do okay,” he says as passes the notepad over to her. She looks at them interested.

“I think I’ll be a blank in three years because I am blank” she reads aloud. “My favorite pastime is blank because I am blank,” She glances up at Jack mischievously.

“Keep it clean,” he admonishes her with a laugh, reading her mind. Sometimes teenagers can be so predictable.

Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me

“Did you know who you were when you were my age?” the girl asks, curious.

Jack smiles. “No, I didn’t” he replies candidly. “But I did know that I liked working with children and that I didn’t have a lot of confidence and that I needed friends more than I realized.”

“Did knowing those things help?”

“Sure they did. I developed confidence because other people wanted me to and because I wanted to, I kept my friends because I needed them, and I teach because I love it. Because that is who I am,” he concludes.

“Ahh,” the girl says, getting what the assignment is about.

“Just let me see what is inside Joan and I’ll be happy,” Jack says with a smile.

“You mean like guts?” the girl snickers.

“Out!” Jack says with mock severity, pointing his finger sternly to the door.

Nothing unusual, nothing's changed
Just a little older that's all
You know when you've found it,
There's something I've learned
'Cause you feel it when they take it away

Just then, Grams and Bessie enter the room. Bessie is holding Amy. As soon as Amy sees Jack, she squeals “Da Da” holding out her arms and opening and closing her hands, fingers on her palms… her way of saying “gimme”. Jack breaks out in a huge smile and gets up from his desk immediately to go to Amy, taking her from Bessie.

“How’s my little sweetheart? “ he coos at her, delighted as if he hasn’t seen her in days when in fact it has only been a few hours.

“Pop pop,” Amy crows, waving her hands around excitedly.

“We had a little popcorn on the way here,” Bessie explains. “And she loved it.”

“Is it okay for her to have popcorn?” Jack asks, concerned.

“Well, I don’t know but I used to give some to Alex and he did fine.” Bessie frowns. “I won’t give it to her any more if you are worried about it.”

“Well, I don’t know… we’ll have to check the baby books” Jack says, wanting everything to be right with Amy.

Something unusual, something strange
Comes from nothing at all
But I'm not a miracle
And you're not a saint
Just another soldier
On the road to nowhere

Joan has been watching this silently but with great interest. “Is this your daughter, Mr. McPhee?” she asks brightly.

Jack turns around a bit with Amy in his arms to face Joan. He can’t take the smile of his face. “Yes, she is” he replies, kissing Amy’s palm. “Joan, this is Amy, my perfect daughter. Amy, this is Joan, a student who needs to go home and redo her homework assignment” Jack gives Joan a fake glare. Joan smiles and walks up to Amy and gently takes her hand. “Nice to meet you, Amy McPhee” she says softly, before giving Jack another smile and leaving the room.

A troubled look crosses Jack’s face for a moment. “I wonder if she’ll ever be Amy McPhee,” he murmurs aloud. He sighs deeply. “I guess for now it is just right that she is Amy Lindley and maybe that is all she needs to be,” he says, kissing the top of Amy’s head.

“Well, I don’t know,” says Grams forthrightly. “Amy Lindley McPhee sounds just about right to me. Seems like she should have the two names of the people who love her the most,” she says, cooing at Amy at the end and giving her a little tickle.

Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me

Jack smiles grimly. “Well, they can call her anything they like as long as she ends up with me.” Jack declares. Then his face clears looking at Amy

“So, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” he asks Grams cheerfully.

“Well, since you’re going to be gone a couple of days to New York, we just thought we’d come by and surprise you.” Grams answers.

“Surprise!” Bessie adds with a smile.

“Well, I can never see my girls enough,” Jack says happy, looking lovingly at Amy. “Let me grab a few papers and let’s go.”

“I’ll get them,” Bessie volunteers. “Seeing as it seems that now I’m one of your girls,” she teases with a wry smile.

And Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me

Bessie gets the papers and the four of them go into the hallway. They hardly get a few feet into the hallway before some students still in the halls see Jack with Amy and make a bee-line toward them. “Oh my gosh, that’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen” and “Is this your little girl, Mr. McPhee?” “Oh, Professor Jack, I didn’t know you had a daughter. She’s so sweet” and other compliments and awws.

Jack just grins proudly and tells them she is his daughter, come for a little visit, not knowing that Amy had already reaped such a huge success or even more a while ago in the park in front of the building.

Grams smiles happily seeing all the fuss the students are making over Jack and Amy. She catches Jack’s eye.

“Professor Jack?” Grams asks him with her eyebrows raised.

Jack looks a little embarrassed but pleased. “Yeah, it’s just a little nickname a few of the students call me… when I’m not giving out homework assignments,” he laughs.

“The children like you,” Grams says softly with a knowing look.

“Most of the time” Jack admits with a chuckle. “Not that they would ever admit it. You know teenagers.”

The principal, seeing a small crowd gathered around Jack, calmly walks down the hall toward them to see what is going on. He approaches the little knot of people with Amy in the center.

“I see we have a little visitor here today,” the principal comments, amused.

Jack looks a little concerned. “I hope it’s okay. They just got here. A little surprise,” Jack can’t help but smile at Amy.

The principal smiles back.

“No problem, as long as we keep things down to a small riot” he gently jokes, relaxed. “It’s good to finally see the little lady who has Jack McPhee’s heart,” the principal says jovially.

“Yeah, she’s a keeper all right,” Jack says happily, bouncing Amy a little in his arms to make her laugh. She does. The students are enchanted.

“Well, well, seems as if we have a charming baby in here” Pacey´s voice makes his way through the little crowd as he approaches them, and then the bell rings again, causing the students to leave not before cooing at Amy and making her some funny faces, to which she replies in delight.

“Ladies,” Pacey salutes Grams and Bessie as he takes Amy in his arms. “Aw, come here” he says as he takes Amy with some effort, “she’s really putting on some weight, isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is,” Bessie agrees as she brushes some hair off Amy’s forehead and they all head outside, where Pacey´s car is waiting for Jack so they can drive to Boston and take the plane in there to New York city.

Los Angeles airport.

“So still nothing?” Dawson asks, more frustrated at every passing minute.

“I’m sorry sir,” the attendant says, but his tone of voice is not one of sympathy. He is more than used to see passengers trapped in the airport, and he stopped caring long ago.

Dawson takes out his cell phone and is about to press a button when it rings.

“Dawson speaking.”

“Ok Kevin listen: look for Samantha and ask her about it. I’m trapped in this damn L.A airport and it doesn’t look like I can be of any help right now. So if you can’t find the list of people auditioning for that role in the last episode, go ask her because I am sure she keeps a copy. Just try not to lose this one as well.”

He hangs up and sighs frustrated. That Kevin is a lost cause. He is good actually, when he is able to get his head out the clouds. But sometimes he just gets on his nerves.

Shaking his head, he looks at the cell phone and then makes the call he wanted to make in the first place.

“Yeah, it’s me. How is that going?” he asks, trying to keep his anger under control. But seems like the answer he is getting is not helping at all.

“I just can’t understand how something like this can happen. Aren’t these planes supposed to be checked every now and then so whoever who needs them at any time can make use of them?” he asks, angrily and he pauses to listen to what the other person is saying.

“Well, it doesn’t seem that normal to me. Ok, whatever” he says, closing his eyes tight and running a hand through his hand frustrated. “Just keep me updated.” he says, and hangs up.

He hates acting like that, all bossy and kind of ‘I’m the famous director’ posse, but he is really upset and mad. And deep inside, no matter what Joey says, and even though he knows she is right and he had to stay, he is blaming himself for having had to do so.

Letting out a deep breath, he looks around and his gaze meets the one of an attendant flight. The woman looks to the other side but then looks back at him, picking his curiosity.

Ignoring her, he walks to the desk and once again asks to the same guy than before if there is any room in any of the planes that are heading to New York.

“Thanks Tommy, I will take care of this,” the woman that was staring at him before says, as she stands in front of Dawson all smiles. “Mr. Leery, may I help you?”

The road from Capeside to Boston.

The camera pans to a concrete car, and inside of it we see Pacey driving and Jack in the co-driver seat. Some music is playing in the radio and we can now hear what they are talking about.

“So, according to your lawyer, the fact that Helen is a direct relative of Amy makes her more suitable for adopting her?” Pacey is asking as he pays attention to the road.

“Something like that. And is understandable, but I think that the circumstances should be taken in consideration here. I mean, Helen and Jen never really developed a close mother-daughter relationship. And Jen decided that it was me who she wanted to raise her child.”

“Oh, of course that might be taken into consideration. The other day Andie and me were talking on the phone, and she told me she had sent me something by email. It was an article about adoptions and people in charge of kids. When it comes to…” Pacey´s preaching tone is interrupted when he turns around and finds Jack looking at him intensely. “What?” he asks, confused, “you’re not gonna hit on me, right?” he jokes, and Jack laughs.

“No, thanks. I was just thinking.”

“About?” Pacey asks as he takes a curve.

“My sister. The blond one living in Boston at the moment that walked out of your life long ago and is just getting back into it. Ring any bell?”

“Yeah, I think we’ve met a couple of times before,” Pacey laughs. “What’s up with her?” Pacey asks casually after a brief pause.

“I don’t know,” Jack shrugs his shoulders “that’s what I was expecting you to tell me. You two seem to be making for the lost time. I mean, you talk a lot on the phone, make plans together…”

“That’s what friends do, don’t they?” Pacey replies, taking off any importance to it.

“Pacey,” Jack warns him gently.

“There’s nothing going on between Andie and me Jack. She’s safe”

“I don’t mean it like that and you know it. It’s just that I am noticing you two growing closer and was wondering if there was something you might want to talk to me about or something.”

“No, there’s nothing to comment.”

There is a pause as he keeps on driving.

“But what if it would?” Pacey asks suddenly, throwing a glance to Jack as he asks, then his gaze returning to the road. “Would that upset you?”.

Jack seems to be pondering his question.

“You’re a good friend Pacey. You know I Iike you, I always did. But I know what you meant to Andie, what you probably still mean. First loves and all that, you know. I just care for her, that’s all.”

“She’s all grown up, and I am sure she could deal with an idiot like me trying to date her again,” Pacey laughs softly. “She’s not in need of a hero anymore. But I understand your concern,” he pauses. “Not that you have nothing to worry about though. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m really happy to have her back. I don’t think I had realized how much I had missed her vibrant presence and annoying optimism until she was back,” he laughs. “And I truly enjoy her visits, and our phone calls, and even all these chain emails she has the bad habit to send.”

He laughs some more and Jack joins him, agreeing on the emails thing. “Those Amnesty International and Save a children in Africa and all that. I swear if she could, she would go on missions to India or something like that. That’s why she’s going to be such a good doctor; she has it in her. Not only because of all that she has gone through when younger, but also because that is her nature: helping, making people happy.” <A pause> “So yes, I am glad she is back. But as I said, there is nothing going on between Andie and me.”

After that, Pacey puts his entire mind in driving, but Jack keeps looking at him, not really convinced at his words.

A Street in New York.

Andie is standing in front of Audrey’s building. Asking for changing some shifts here and there she managed to have the day free and fly to NY to spend it with Audrey, who invited her long ago but she never had the chance to visit until now. She peers up and down the street and checks her watch with excess energy and anticipation, not sure that this visit had been such a good idea.

Next to her is Audrey, carrying some packages and having an argument with a guy. He is a nice looking young man with longish hair, a few years older than Audrey, dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt.

“I don’t know when the party will be over. I’m gonna be there for as long as it goes on. You can leave whenever you want. You wasn’t even invited, you were the one who insisted to come.”

Audrey is obviously not happy about that and Andie is starting to feel really uncomfortable hearing the argument.

“Well, excuse me if I wanna go and meet your friends. Being your friend with such an important director, some important people might be there and it can be good for the business.”

Then Audrey throws up her hands in exasperation and replies to him angrily. “You’re so selfish!!! That’s all that matter to you. It’s not about me or meeting my friends, but about business.”

“I’m thinking about you too. Don’t you wanna be a famous singer? So, for that you need to make some good contacts.” He looks calm, as if they weren’t arguing.

“I don’t intend to use my friends’ success to build my own.” Audrey just shakes her head in disgust and marches over to Andie as the guy mumbles ‘whatever.’

Andie has been watching this with a mix of concern and curiosity. She has spent part of the evening with them and even though the guy has been nice and kind to her there is still something off about him that she doesn’t like. Something that just won’t click.

“Are you okay?” she asks Audrey when Audrey is standing next to her, still looking huffy.

“Oh, yeah, it’s just that Richard can be… argh!!” Audrey’s tone is dismissive as she flicks her hand in his direction. “He’s just being a dickhead.”

She turns to glare at the guy who is standing at the same spot at before speaking on his cell phone. “I told him I didn’t want him coming to the party, but he insisted. I really didn’t have much of a choice.” Audrey says, annoyed.

Andie nods her head since she had also been a witness of that argument earlier in the apartment.

“Are you ok?” Andie asks a little worried.

“Yeah, I’m ok. What about you, are you OK?”

“Yeah, I am. I was just worried about…” Andie says pointing vaguely to Richard, but Audrey interrupts her.

“Good, that is what I want to hear. I hope you are fine and Joey is fine and Jack is fine and Dawson is fine because I want everyone to be fine… more than fine,” Audrey finishes, out of breath.

“O-kay” Andie says uncertainly with eyebrows raised. “Whatever you say Audrey.”

“Yes, that is right, everyone fine,” Audrey states, smoothing down her dress with her free hand and calming herself with a last angry look at the young man, who is approaching them now.

“Do you want me to carry that, babe?” he asks Audrey, although he doesn’t seem to really care that she’s the one carrying them.

Audrey gets a grim look on her face.

“No, thanks. I can take care of that myself.” she replies to him in a tone of voice that sound more like: ‘go to hell’. “I only hope there is enough room in the car for us, the presents, and you” she says pointedly.

Richard is not perturbed. “There’ll be room” he says calmly. “And if there isn’t, I’ll make room.” he says with just a bit of menace in his voice. Both Audrey and Andie look a little uncomfortable by his statement.

Just then, a car pulls up in front of them with a flourish. We see Pacey at the wheel and Jack as the passenger. They both have big grins on their faces.

“Now, don’t go causing trouble, Richard. This isn’t that kind of party.” Audrey cautions him.

They get out of the car and notice not only the girls, but Richard standing there as well.

“Since when do I cause trouble, love?” Richard answers pleasantly enough, but underneath we hear a tone of warning or trouble, ignoring the fact that Pacey and jack just arrived and dropping the argument like any other polite person would have made.

Audrey looks frustrated like she wants to say something in response, but bites her tongue and just ignores him. Andie looks even more uncomfortable than before.

“Aw, hi” Audrey greets Jack, hugging him tight. Jack holds her tight as well and kisses her cheek.

“Hey,” Pacey greets Andie and as they hug he asks on her ear “Is this the guy…?”

“Yes, he is. What a total idiot, you’ll see,” she whispers back.

“Hi there Pacey,” Audrey greets him with a smile and they hug.

“Need any help?” Pacey asks gently without anyone else hearing but her.

“Aw, but not, thanx”

Audrey breaks the hug and gives Richard a dirty look as he approaches Pacey as if nothing was happening and reaches his hand for him to shake it. Pacey hesitates but finally shakes it.

“Richard. Nice to meet you. So there’s no problem because I am joining you guys, right?” he asks, using his best charming voice.

Audrey watches him, looking a little disgusted and then turns her back on him, getting inside the car. Pacey and Jack give Andie a questioning look, not knowing what is going on. Andie just kind of shakes her head and hand a little in an ‘I’ll tell you later’ gesture, matched by the expression on her face as she sits by Audrey’s side. Pacey and Jack shrug.

“So he comin’?” Pacey nods to Richard.

“Yeah, unfortunately” Audrey says sourly from inside the car.

“Just one moment” Pacey says, pointing a finger up to the sky. Jack just looks at Richard as Pacey approaches the car “Anything I need to straighten out before we go?” Pacey asks once again, referring to Richard. “I’m serious.”

Audrey sighs. “No, it’s okay. I’m just wound up. I really need to have some fun tonight. And what a better way to start than spending time with three of my dearest friends?” she asks cheerfully, linking arms with Andie and leaning her head on her shoulder.

“Ok then,” Pacey replies, walking to the driver’s seat and gesturing to Jack that they’re leaving.

“Hey, bud, time to go,” Jack calls out to Richard, not particularly friendly since it is clear there is some tension in the air and also because Pacey told him about his conversation with Andie about the guy.

After putting all the packages and extra coats into the trunk, they all squeeze into the car. There is room but not any extra.

“Getting a bit of junk in the trunk, eh Audrey?” Richard asks in what is supposed to be a joke, but doesn’t sound much like it. “Maybe you should lay off the nachos,” he says snidely, even though Audrey’s weight is fine.

Audrey frowns. “Maybe you should stuff it Richard,” she snaps.

Pacey, sitting behind the wheel, frowns deeply. Richard’s comment and tone of voice have clearly upset him. He gives Richard a narrowed-eyed suspicious look out of the corner of his eye. Then he pulls away from the curb, still frowning, and starts the drive to Dawson’s while Audrey starts chatting happily with Andie and Jack, totally ignoring Richard.

(A montage of different images of New York fading into each other)

Dawson’s loft in New York, later that day.

The scene opens with the camera looking down on the room where people are arriving at Dawson’s loft for his birthday party. Everything is gaily decorated for the party with balloons and streamers and a big sign saying Happy Birthday. Comical posters of movie stars with presents drawn or pasted in, with silly hats on and little captions above their heads saying ‘happy birthday to the most brilliant director I ever worked with’ are taped rakishly here and there. Soft music plays in the background. A small pile of presents is on a small table in the corner.

Audrey and Todd are in the living room area with some other guests who have already arrived. Richard is there as well, but being totally ignored, just like before. Audrey is trying on a party hat with a silly expression on her face, laughing. Todd looks amused.

The camera then comes down to eye level and moves through the rooms, showing Joey greeting more guests with big smiles and hugs as they come through the front door. She looks excited and happy to see everyone.

We see Sam putting the birthday cake in the refrigerator and Ethan setting out napkins and paper cups next to a big punchbowl and appetizers and snacks on a table covered with a red tablecloth. A couple of waiters are serving some drinks. The party is obviously getting started and everyone looks happy.

Then we see that Joey is not really as happy as she appears. As the people talk and laugh around her, she grows increasingly distracted and subdued, not paying attention to the lively conversation around her. After greeting someone else and making a little conversation with a young couple, she wanders off to the corner of the room where there is a window overlooking the street below. She stands solemnly looking out into the night, waiting.

We see Pacey, Jack and Andie talking near the table with Sam and Ethan. Pacey finishes pouring himself a drink with a smile when he sees Joey standing quietly looking out the window. He puts his hand over Andie’s shoulder, and we see her nodding her head at something he says as he quietly walks up to join Joey.

“No sign of Dawson yet?” he asks gently when he reaches Joey’s side.

Joey glances at Pacey and gives a small smile before turning to look out the window again.
“No, unfortunately,” she answers.

“That’s too bad. I hope he makes it. I wouldn’t mind seeing the guy myself. It’s been almost four months.”

“I’m sure he’d like to see you too,” Joey murmurs, only half listening.

“Yeah, you’ve worked so hard on this party, it’d be a shame if he missed it. But standing here staring out the window won’t get him here any faster, Joey, if he makes it at all.” Pacey says kindly.

Joey looks at him again, paying more attention this time. “Yeah, I know,” she replies softly with a wry smile.

“Why don’t you come join the party? You’ve got a heck of a selection of hors d’oeurves and a the start of a good mix of charming guests, myself included” he says, placing his hand on his chest, gesturing to himself with a smile “and more arriving every minute. C’mon, we’ll keep you company” he encourages her, nodding his head toward the gang since Audrey and Todd had joined Andie and Jack.

Joey sighs. “I know, but I think I’d like to just stay here for a little while longer.”

“Okay, but don’t stick yourself in a corner for too long. You should enjoy this party too.”

Joey smiles at him. “Thanks, I will. I just need to be alone for a few minutes”

“Okay.” Pacey looks out the window a moment too then studies Joey’s face as she stares out the window. “Miss him, huh?”

We can see from Joey’s face that she really does. “Yup” she answers with a brief smile, resuming her vigil at the window, not really feeling like talking. Pacey notices and he leaves.

Joey just looks longingly out the window and sighs.

Still at Dawson’s loft, some moments later.

(“Stacy’s mom” by Fountain of Wayne is playing in the background)

The party is full underway. We see a large buffet set up on the kitchen/living room counter with people helping themselves. The guests are diverse and many. The camera pans around the scene.

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on

People are talking, eating and laughing and a few people are dancing to some music playing in the background. Pacey is chatting up a woman with a nose ring, purple hair and a black T-shirt that says "Roadies Must Die".

Stacy, can i come over after school? (after school)
We can hang around by the pool (hng by the pool)
Did your mom get back from her business trip? (business trip)
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip? (give me the slip)

Audrey is enthusiastically dancing with Todd, if you can call it that. She is bobbing to the music, and throwing her arms out to the beat, swaying and throwing her head back, obviously enjoying herself- in her own little world. Todd is barely dancing at all, mostly just flicking his hands out and shuffling his feet- in a comical counterpoint to Audrey. Mostly he is watching Audrey with amusement as she basically totally ignores him to do her own thing.

As the camera cuts to Joey, watching Audrey dance, we see a clock in the background showing the time as 10:00 pm.

You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see

Joey’s forehead is scrunched with perplexity or concern mixed with amusement as she watches Audrey dance.

“Should I be worried?” she asks Jack, who is standing next to her. Jack’s face is amused and a little bewildered watching Audrey.

“How does she do that?” He asks with emphasis. “She has more energy… or should I say flair for life, rolled together in one body than probably half the people in this room combined. Only Andie comes close. And Audrey’s so…so…. uninhibited. <beat> I’d be jealous if I wouldn’t be totally embarrassed dancing like that.”

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I’ve waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom

Joey smiles. “You should try it sometime. Uninhibited-ness can be really good for the soul. Clears out the blocked Chakra or whatever new age philosophy you may be in to.” She pauses, tilting her head a moment to study Audrey. “I’d hate to think six months of rehab was ruined by this little get-together, and Dawson isn’t even here.”

Jack laughs. “No, that’s all one hundred percent Audrey, on a natural high. Keeping in mind the total destruction she can cause when wasted, she usually limits herself to one glass per event, and she’s waiting for champagne.” “To toast Dawson of course,” he adds.

Joey sighs. “If he ever gets here.”

Jack just squeezes her arm gently in reassurance.

“Well, trust Audrey to liven up the place,” Joey says with a smile.

“She may have had a drink but I’d say this is just her natural-born espirit or bon vivant. Tonight’s dance de jeur.”

Joey raises her eyebrows in amusement at Jack. “Espirit? Bon vivant? Since when did you get so cosmopolitan, or should I say Eurosexual?”

“Very funny. I did take French in high school too, you know. Besides, there are books and movies and magazines in Capeside too. It isn’t the end of the world,” he adds wryly.

Joey sighs. “I know, but compared to New York, it can seem like it. Sometimes I miss the relative peace and quiet there, the slower pace, the water flowing slowly along the river banks.” She closes her eyes a moment enjoying the memory. Then her eyes pop open and she smiles. “But I love New York too. After worrying I was going to be stuck in Capeside- no offense Jack- I am loving being here and really living my dreams.” She frowns a little. “Well, almost. I was hoping for something a little more exciting or adventurous than editing, but it’s what I do.” She shrugs her shoulders. “And I like it”. She smiles at Jack.

“The pay isn’t half bad either” Jack comments with a smile, not really jealous that she makes a lot more money than he does. That isn’t important. “And you deserve it” he adds, seeing that maybe Joey is a little embarrassed by his comment. “You worked for it,” he states.

Joey thinks about this a moment and then smiles her crooked smile. “Yeah, I did.” she agrees softly.

“And I love teaching so it’s all good.” Jack says placidly.

Joey smiles at that. Then she looks around the room a moment. “By the way, thanks for coming. I know it must be hard to leave Amy.” She pauses looking at Jack, but Jack is okay. “Most of the people here are from the Spielberg production, “ she continues, “and normally I’d be really excited to see them here, but it just isn’t the same without Dawson.” She says, a little sadly.

Just then, Audrey notices Joey watching her. “Bun-ny!” she calls out in high-voiced greeting, with a big smile, waving both hands palms out at Joey. Joey gives her an affectionate and tolerant look. “Hi Audrey!” she singsongs back smiling, with a little tilt of her head.

Todd looks over at Joey too, and abruptly stops his half-hearted attempt at dancing. He walks over to Joey. Audrey continues dancing on alone, oblivious to his departure.

“Hey, luv, no peep from Dawson yet?”

“No, not a peep,” Joey answers.

“Well, it doesn’t seem right that I make it all the way out from LA and he doesn’t, but that’s the nature of the beast. And that’s what he gets for being so successful. Always in demand… that bloke. But don’t worry, luv, I know he’d move heaven and earth to get here if he could, so he must be stuck with one of the producers since they are about the only people higher than God.” he says with a wry laugh, taking it all in stride. “Great party by the way. Nice to see a real mixed-bag of a party from the heart instead of the pre-manufactured crap we get in Hollywood.” He pulls a face. “Although the selection of birds out there in la la land is usually more to my taste.” he adds, eyeing with some leeriness the literary types from Joey’s work.

Joey just smiles. “You’d be surprised, Todd. Some of the women here would make your toes curl. Don’t let appearances fool you.”

“Still waters run deep, eh?” Todd asks, eyeing the ladies with new interest, his curiosity piqued.

“Just be gentle with them,” Joey jokes. “ and they won’t know what’s coming”

“Right-o!” Todd says with a wave as he walks over to a small group of these women.

Joey sighs. “I should mingle. I still am the hostess even if the guest of honour is a no-show,” she says low voiced to Jack.

“He’ll come if he can,” Jack comforts her softly. “And if he doesn’t make the party, he’ll still be here for cake and champagne tomorrow with you.”

“Yeah, I know, but somehow it isn’t quite the same. I miss…. I hate missing him so much.”

“Well, like Todd said, it’s the nature of the beast, and Dawson has his dream now so we can only be happy for him.”

“I know, and I am happy for him. It’s what we always wanted,” she agrees, but her tone is slightly false, her expression not as certain as her words. “Now if you excuse me,” she says as we see Pacey and Andie approaching the group and watch her leave with a frown in the eyebrows.

“Where is she going?” Pacey asks, curious.

“To mourn Dawson’s absence or something I guess,” Audrey sighs.

“Who can blame her? She spent a lot of time preparing this party, so is just normal she is disappointed,” Andie adds.

“Oh, but she shouldn’t worry. He will make it. He will find a way, anyway he can to win some more precious moments with her,” Pacey sighs exaggeratedly and the rest of the group laughs quietly.

(‘Stacy’s mom’ by Fountain of Waynes playing in the background again)

Andie and Pacey are about to say something but then they notice Audrey Liddell is smiling and they know pretty well that unexpected and always funny things happen when that crazy girl wears that mischievous smile on her face.

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on

“Where’s the joke?” Pacey asks.

“Believe me, Pace, you don’t want to know.” Audrey says with a smile on her face.

“Sure I want.”

“Yes, we want.” Jack adds, raising his eyebrows.

Andie nods indicating that she wants to know as well. . Audrey gestures as if pondering the best option.

“Ok, I warned you, Pacey. Err... It’s just that since this song has started playing I was wondering if you, Pacey Witter, the heartbreaker, ever messed up with one of your flirt’s mom. That would have been so you, you know,” she laughs.

Jack starts to laugh while Andie opens widely her eyes in her own expressive way. Pacey can’t believe she’s just questioning. Well, yes, he sure can believe it. This is Audrey Liddell.

Stacy, can I come over after school? (after school)
We can hang around by the pool (hang by the pool)
Did your mom get back from her business trip? (business trip)
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip? (give me the slip)

“Oh, no, no.” Pacey warns him jokingly, shaking his finger from “I’m not going to let you get started with this.” and he takes a sip of his drink, but Audrey put her arms around Pacey’s neck lovingly. We see Richard, who was talking with someone in a corner, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

“Come on, Pace. Don’t take it personally. I’m just curious. Is curiosity a bad thing? Nooo, it’s not. It’s an appreciated virtue these days, if you ask me. Makes the world go round and round and round.”

Pacey just looks at her with a ‘what are you talking about’ expression, his face then blank as he speaks. “Audrey, no.”

Audrey walks away from him pretending to be mad for the rest of the group amusement and goes towards Jack, linking arms with him.

You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see

“OK, so refresh my mind, Jack. Who was his first?”

“Tamara, the hottest Capeside High School teacher.”

Pacey groans and glares at Jack. “Traitor.”

“Didn’t I play her wonderfully, by the way? But, oh well, that’s a total different subject, let’s not lose our focus.”

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I;ve waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom

Pacey covers his faces with both hands as he shakes his head. “Please, Audrey. I’m begging you.” Although he is not really upset or anything, but just… half amused, half incredulous that they are talking about this in this moment.

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on

“And later he fell for his best friend’s soulmate.”

“He robbed the girl, actually.”

“Hey!” Pacey protests, but they ignore him.

Audrey shakes her head “You’re a bad, bad boy.”

“And let’s not forget he dated his ex-girlfriend’s best friend” Jack adds, looking at Audrey herself.

“Yep, so I’m guessing this was me. I remember vaguely... And, his best performance: messing up with a married woman. Forgive us, wicked dirty minds, if we have the little suspicion a mom could be the next in line.”

Jack and Audrey look at Pacey, waiting for his reply. This is really great fun for them.

“Is this a conspiracy? I may have been a bit irresponsible, I won’t deny it, but I’ve always had principles, you know?” He says to them, but it doesn’t really sounds convincing.

Stacy, do you remember when I mowed your lawn? (mowed your lawn)
Your mom came out with just a towel on (towel on)
I could tell she liked me from the way she stared
And the way she said, "You missed a spot over there"

Andie have a half smile in her face. She’s having fun. Jack and Audrey starts to laugh and keep on teasing him.

“Oh, man. Women are evil. They just use their female attraction and erotica power in a poor, helpless, unlucky...”

“Yeah, what would you know about that?” Pacey teases Jack back, making him laugh openly.

Pacey shakes his head with resignation, but he can’t avoid smiling because he knows his loving life could make for a book and he accepts it with good nature. It’s a part of who he was and, to be honest, he’s happy his friends help him to bury this part of his past in a funny grave.

And I know that you think it's just a fantasy
But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me

Audrey seems to be about saying something else but Pacey is quicker.

“Liddell, five more words and you’ll find your head under the tap, in the best of cases.”

“Five less words and we wouldn’t have had the chance to see your male ego in action.” And she winks her eye playfully.

Pacey is about to say something but Audrey places her left hand in his neck and covers his mouth with the other hand.

“Shut up, Pacey. A woman always says the last word in an argument. Respect the rules because any other thing you say after that will be the beginning for a new argument. And we don’t want that, right?”

Pacey shakes his head with amusement, while Audrey put her arm around Jack’s shoulder when she notices Richard walking in their direction.

“Let’s dance, Jackers!”

“Right now?”

“Haven’t you heard what I’ve just said?”

“Yes, sir.”

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want, and I've waited so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong,
but I'm in love with Stacy's mom

And they go to the middle of the loft where some more people is dancing as well.

Pacey starts to drink from his glass and then realizes that Andie is staring at him.

“I’ve just realized they didn’t even count me in your girlfriend’s list. Any idea of why?” she asks, amused, crossing her arms over her chest.

Pacey swallows deeply, thinking for a moment.

“That’s because you’re my only loving chapter worthy the mention,” he smiles at her sweetly and for a moment they just look at each other, still smiling.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that. I was starting to panic that I would be included in that terrible list,” Andie laughs, but his answer makes her feel good.

“No way, McPhee. You’re a lucky woman, actually. You’re seeing a man totally devoted to the delicious memory of his first, pure and sweet love.”

Andie laughs softly and shakes her head amused but touched as well at his words. Then she looks at him with bright eyes and kisses his cheek. Pacey smiles widely.

At that very same moment…

Joey is standing next to the window at Dawson’s loft, peering out into the darkness. The party is still going strong, but Dawson is still not there. Her arms are crossed and we see a cell-phone in one of her hands.

Sam and Ethan, holding hands, approach her.

“No sign of the wonder-king yet?” Ethan asks.

Joey turns to look at them.

“No, and it’s almost 11:00.” Joey replies, disappointed.

“There’s still time” Sam says encouragingly. “This is New York. This party could go on all night!” she tries to cheer Joey.

“As much as I want him to make it for the party, right now I just want him to be here. I haven’t seen him for a week and it feels like forever.” Joey states seriously.

“At least he’s only a phone-call… and plane trip…away.” Sam consoles.

“If he’d only call,” Joey says with some irritation, glaring at her cell phone as if willing it to ring. “I’ve tried calling him but I just get his voice mail message, and as much as I enjoy hearing his voice, I am more than ready for the real thing!”

“Well, you know what they say. Patience is a virtue,” Ethan quips with a smile.

Joey just looks out the window sadly. She begins to talk softly from the heart.

“I never expected to feel like this… to miss him so much. I’ve missed people before… missed men and boyfriends, missed my family… their company, their presence. But with Dawson and me…. it’s like I miss him because he is a part of me…. and I’m missing a part of myself when he’s not here. Not only do I miss him, I miss us, you know. I miss us.”

“Sounds like someone’s in love” Ethan smiles at her.

Joey laughs softly, wryly. “It’s not politically correct to say that, I know, -that he’s a part of me-, but I know it’s right. It feels completely different than any other relationship I’ve had before.” She shrugs. “It’s the real thing, I guess… and boy, do I feel it!”

“Well, that’s good if you want to be in a committed relationship… isn’t it? ” Sam asks sweetly. “Something I hope to be in myself one day” Sam adds, sneaking a little look at Ethan. Ethan catches her look and although he doesn’t say anything, his eyes smile a little secret smile at her. He knows, they both do, that there are things to come for them in the future.

Joey still looks forlornly out the window.

Sam and Ethan exchange a slightly worried glance. Sam hastily begins speaking.

“He must have been sweet as a boy,” she says, trying to change the subject.

A laugh escapes Joey. “I used to make his life miserable half the time, but he just never seemed to let anything bother him… at least until we grew up. Adolescence… and hormones… was a whole other story.”

“Well, thank God for hormones,” Ethan comments cheerfully, “or you wouldn’t be here today mooning around waiting anxiously for his return, like a sailor’s wife waiting for her man to return from the sea.” He teases lightly.

Joey gives him a dirty look, followed by an affectionate one.

Sam rolls her eyes. “Ever the romantic,” she says a bit facetiously, but she is smiling when she says it.

“Well, if his ship doesn’t get here soon, the food will be gone and the party over,” Joey declares. “I just hope he makes it home tonight, even if he misses the party,” she ads wistfully, giving another sad glance out the window. Then she does a double take, staring out the window.

Suddenly, her whole face is transformed by a smile. She lights up. “He’s here,” she exclaims excited. “He finally made it,” she adds, getting up and starting to move towards the door.
Before she can run out, Ethan catches her arm with a laugh. “Hold on there a minute Joey. This is supposed to be a surprise party, remember? Shouldn’t we be getting ready to surprise him?”

Joey looks longingly at the door, but then she realizes Ethan is right.

“I guess I can wait three more minutes for him to make it up the stairs” she gives in.

“Dawson’s here!!” Ethan calls out to the room.

We hear happy exclamations from the guests, as they turn off the music and lights and everyone faces the door. Ethan keeps a grip on a jumpy Joey.

When Dawson walks into the room a minute later, everyone enthusiastically yells “surprise!” as the lights go on. Joey tears herself out of Ethan’s grasp and runs over to Dawson to fling herself at him.

Dawson is totally surprised and speechless with the surprise. He stands there stunned, still holding his bags, with Joey wrapped around his chest. Then he glances down at her.

“Happy Birthday,” she says softly just for him to hear, and for a moment between them, there is no-one in the room but them as they are lost in each other’s gaze. Dawson smiles at her and leans down as if to kiss her but then a few of the guests rush up to them, grabbing Dawson’s bags, clapping him on the back, hugging him with cries of happy birthday. They all are people from his work and his closest friends back off waiting for a better moment to greet him, since they all seem to be quite… enthusiasts.

So in the middle of all the congratulations, we see Dawson and Joey slowly being separated by the crowd, as some guests come up to greet and talk to Dawson, while others engage Joey in a separate conversation. Soon, the crowd separates Joey and Dawson. Someone brings Dawson a plate of food before Joey even has a chance to. Everyone is smiling and having a good time.

Then, we see Dawson starting to slowly gravitate to Joey, and Joey, inch-by-inch, start gravitating toward Dawson, and without them even being aware if it, they are soon standing near each other again. They each become aware of the other standing next to them at the same time, and they exchange warm and amused looks.

A few guests are still hanging around Dawson, trying to talk business, but Samantha, seeing the looks that Joey and Dawson are giving each other and how much Joey wanted to finally meet him, starts encouraging the guests to wander off to eat or drink or dance or whatever. For a brief moment, Dawson and Joey are standing alone amongst the noise and activity, looking out into the room of happy guests.

“Hey stranger,” Dawson says softly with a little smile, without looking at her. Joey smiles.

“Hey,” she says softly, looking straight ahead as well.

“Missed you,” he says with a sidelong glance at her. Her smile widens.

“Missed you too,” she says sweetly and smiling, then looks intensely at him, who is still looking at her, his smile mirroring hers.

“All I could think about on the plane was walking into this apartment and having you be here, and how that was all I needed or ever really wanted,” he tells her with warmth in his voice. We see from Joey’s face that this moves her.

“Me too.”

“I would make love to you right now if I wasn’t in the middle of a party,” he suddenly leans in and whispers in her ear, causing her to bite her bottom lip containing a big grin.

“Do you think you would still wanting that after the party?” she asks teasing him.

“Errr…. I think I can guarantee that.”

Joey flushes under his gaze, feeling the same way.

After a moment of longing looks, Dawson smiles calmly. “Anyway, besides that, I never got a birthday kiss from you,” he only half-teases her. They haven’t kissed since he got back.

“I think that can be arranged,” Joey says with a smile in her voice, taking the plate of food from him and setting it down on the nearest table. She moves into his arms and he looks down into her face a moment, before lowering his lips to give her a sweet and deep kiss.

After the thorough kiss, Joey is laughing a little and Dawson is smiling wide.

“Well, I guess that makes up…a little… for having you be gone so long” Joey teases affectionately and the two smile at one another, still in each other’s arms. Then she snuggles a moment against his chest, happy just to be there. Her eyes closed, just as his. It had always felt this good to be his arms, where she has cried, laughed, and loved. Dawson closes his eyes and buried his nose lightly in her hair, smelling it like he has done thousands of times before.

“So how was everything there in L.A?” Joey leans away from his chest and wraps her arms around his waist, holding his hands in hers behind his back.

“Good, it all went ok. Boring, missing you” he says, leaning his forehead on hers, “but everything turned out right” he smiles at her.

Just then, Audrey bounds cheerfully over to them and grabs a hold of Dawson’s arm.

“Okay you two. Break it up. This is a party, not a honeymoon. I haven’t seen the birthday boy in weeks, and I need some one-on-one time too.” Audrey says cheerfully, starting to pull on Dawson’s arm.

“I’m borrowing your b.f.” Audrey announces to an amused Joey. “Let’s go schmooze,” she says gaily but forcefully to Dawson.

Dawson and Joey just look helplessly at each other with incredulous but amused expressions on their faces as Audrey happily drags Dawson away into the crowd.

At the same time…

Ethan and Samantha are sitting at a table. They have been watching Dawson and Joey and now that Audrey is dragging him away, they look at each other and smile, amused by the girl.

But there is also something romantic in their situation, you can feel it in the way they turned to look at each other, you can feel it floating in the air… and you can clearly see it as Ethan has his hand placed over Samantha’s on the table.

(“I feel you” by Three doors down stars playing in the background)

They gave me a life that's not so easy to live
And then they sent me on my way
I left my loving, forgot my dreams
I lost them along the way

"I’m so glad this party turned out great. Joey was so worried about everything being perfect," Samantha says.

"It’s perfect just like you," Ethan says, trying to charm her. Samantha smiles at his comment. Half amused, half actually charmed.

"You are so my Prince Charming," Samantha tells Ethan, making a joke at a previous conversation they once had.

"Yes, and you are my Cinderella, right?" Ethan laughs.

Those little things you say
When words mean so much
You never back down
And they all shy away
You always listen to me

"Of course I am." Samantha replies.

"Do you know you fascinate me more each day?" Ethan asks her as he keeps charming her.

"Oh, and the charms keep on coming. You are so sweet," Samantha tells him.

And what do I care to get me through these sleepless nights
And what do I have to hold when no one's there to hold me tight
And what do I see the only thing that gets me through this is I feel and I feel you

"I know and so are you. Not to mention beautiful and intelligent," Ethan replies as he pulls back a strand of hair that fell in her face and holds his hand there on her cheek for a moment. And for a moment they stay just like that, in silence.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this. And it’s all because of you” he says softly, and Sam smiles, feeling her heart race.

“I’m happy to hear that. At least you felt like this once. I never did”

Ethan seems to be a little surprised by this confession, but Samantha doesn’t look away or looks embarrassed about it or anything.

“Not to scare you or anything, but I just thought you should now” she adds softly.

“Sometime soon we need to talk” Ethan says, moved by her sincerity and thinking that is time to give some of it back. “About the future… and about the past”

Sam knows what he is talking about. Her past, but also his. Despite what people might think when they meet her, her past is kinda boring and grey. But his… there are so many things unsaid. And she wants to know them, but she knows there is nothing she will be able to do about them, so for tonight at least, what she is most interested in is the future. If there is a future for the two of them or not.

"The past is the past, and I was serious when I said that you can take your time. But… what do you think your future is now?" Samantha asks him, curious to hear what he’ll say.

"Well, my future definitely has you in it. Right now, though, I think it includes some dancing," Ethan says as a slow song plays in the background.

"Oh, really?" Samantha says, interested.

"Yes, would you like to dance with me?" Ethan asks her as he stands up and extends his hand to her.

"I’d love to," she answers and takes his hand smiling.

And this ain't no bitterness
Then I'd rose just the same
Got this road short and can be long
Another endless day, another seven hundred miles that'll take me further from my home

He leads her out to a spot on the dance floor. He puts his arms around her waist and she puts her arms around his neck. He holds her close as he looks into her eyes.

"You want to know a secret?" Ethan says to her.

Those little things you say
When words mean so much
You never back down
And they all shy away
You always listen to me

"What?" Samantha replies, wondering what this secret could be.

"I think I’m falling in love with you," he tells her, honestly.

"I think I’m falling in love with you, too," she replies as they lean in and kiss each other. They continue to do so as everyone around them dances and talks.

And what do I care to get me through these sleepless nights
And what do I have to hold when no one's there to hold me tight
And what do I see the only thing that gets me through this is I feel and I feel you

Some minutes later, at Dawson and Joey’s room.

Dawson’s sets his bag down and on the floor by the door and trudges over to the bed before flopping down on it, face forward. He lets out a sigh as Joey enters the room right behind him; she followed him when she saw him going upstairs.

"Tired?" She asks him as she walks over and sits beside him on the bed.

"A little." He says, his voice muffled slightly from the comforter and she begins to gently stroke the small of his back. "It's been a long day," he says, reaching for her and gently indicating her with no words to lie besides him

"How'd you finally get here, I thought you couldn't get any flights from LA." She asks as she lays next to him, their bodies almost touching.

"Well I ended up getting a flight via Baltimore. A fine young woman helped me." Dawson adds playfully.

"Oh, a young fine woman?” she asks, slightly pulling away from him and opening her eyes and mouth wide as if she was suspicious about that. “Anything you need to explain to me Mr Leery?”

Dawson laughs as he pulls her closer again, this time making her cuddle next to him, to what Joey obliges happily.

“She recognized me and told me she loved the show. That the love story between the two main characters was so sweet and innocent but passionate at the same time and full of hope, it remind her so much to her first love. That it was clear they were made for each other and how lucky they were to have each other and to have met at such a young age,” he says looking right into her eyes, right into her.

Joey smiles as she traces the line of his jaw with her index finger.

“And she was right” she says, as she kisses him softly in the lips “Why didn't you call and tell me anyway?" She chides him gently, not really mad, giving him a little pout.

"Because I didn't know you were planning a surprise party and I wanted to surprise you and tell you we could snuggle up on the couch all night, like you wanted to."

Joey smiles at him and cups his cheek lovingly.

“Calling just wasn’t enough,” he says after a moment of looking into her face. “I didn’t even know I was going to make a plane until the last second, and just because this woman in the airport recognized me and made her particular crusade to get me a place in a plane. Then, after I landed in New York, I just kept imagining you waiting for me, and I guess you could say, I was creating…anticipation.” he says in a sexy way. He reaches out and runs his fingers through her hair gently.

Joey is melting. “Ever the director,” she teases lovingly, and then their faces grow serious and they exchange another longing look.

"Are you wishing there wasn't a party?" She asks, nervously biting her lip. “You look tired”

"No, I'll be alright in a minute." He replies, lacing his fingers with hers, facing each other. "Just need a minute or two to get myself together and have a quick shower." He replies as he gives her a quick kiss once over. "You look great you know! I never really got to say that out there because I was surprised and everything, a little dazed."

She blushes slightly, touched by his words. Touched by them even though he's said them many times before and probably will say them many times in the future. "Thanks. I was gonna say that considering the day you've had that you didn't look to bad yourself but that's such a cliché."

"We'll stick with you looking good for now," he playfully replies as they both lean their bodies closer to one another until their lips meet in a sweet and loving kiss. She brings her hand up to cup his cheek as the kiss deepens.

"I missed you." Joey tells him breathlessly as they lean their forehead against the others. "Happy birthday Dawson." She beams at him.

"Now it is." He smiles and kisses her again. What was meant to be a quick, sweet kiss, soon turns into a deep, slow, open mouth kiss, their bodies moulding against each other. Finally, they break the kiss to gasp for some air. They laugh softly as Joey stands up and Dawson does the same.

“I think I better leave you alone so you can have the quick shower you mentioned and all that,” Joey says, placing some hair behind her ear, the naughty spark from their kiss still in her eyes.

“Yeah, a cold quick shower” Dawson says in what seems to be a frustrated voice, making her laugh. “But thanks for the surprise party”

"And the surprise isn't over yet." She says before quickly kissing him and walking out the door, not without throwing a last glance to him before disappearing.

“Oh,” she adds, making Dawson turn to the door as she pokes her head in the room again, “and remember we have a date once this party is over”

A huge smile creeps on Dawson’s face. Then he takes a deep breath and leaves the air escape his lungs slowly. Man, those kisses were good. Actually, they were more than good. Having her in his arms was even better.

With a smile, he starts towards the bathroom.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the party.

“So… it kinda feels like I am out of place in there, you know? It’s as if everything around me is slowly but surely falling into place, but I don’t seem to find mine,” Pacey is saying, gesturing with his hands standing in front of Andie, who is leaning on a wall, listening.

“I love the restaurant business. I love it when someone enters the place with a somber face and then exits it with a smile because they feel good. I like to c